LATS1

LATS1 is a core effector of the Hippo pathway and one of two closely related kinases in the NDR group. Activated by MST1/MST2 through phosphorylation of its hydrophobic motif together with MOB1 binding, LATS1 in turn phosphorylates YAP and TAZ on serine residues, retaining them in the cytoplasm or targeting them for degradation and thereby switching off their proliferative transcriptional programme. LATS1 also acts outside Hippo signalling, participating in spindle-checkpoint control, G2/M regulation and cytokinesis. It behaves as a tumour suppressor, and loss of LATS1 function elevates YAP activity in several carcinomas. Recombinant LATS1 supports Hippo kinase-cascade reconstitution and inhibitor screening.